Post Workout Fuel

Best for: lean muscle building
If you want to build a lean physique (think the Victoria Secret’s models, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Elle Macpherson, and you get the idea) then you need to boost your protein intake. Post- exercise 20g of protein is ideal for recovery and helping maintain lean muscle mass. A chicken or turkey breast would be a good suggestion as would white fish or tuna’ says personal trainer to the stars, Matt Roberts.

Best for: muscle repair
Before summer we all tend to ramp up our fitness regimes, but if you’re working out hard, sore muscles can prevent you from keeping to a regular schedule. The key is to fuel your body post-workout with something that repairs muscles fast. CherryActive contains a mix of natural compounds, including anthocyanins, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties (helping to relieve torn muscle tissue). Research, from London South Bank University, has shown that athletes recover faster and suffer less soreness after taking CherryActive. It is also high in antioxidants that mop up free radicals that our body releases during exercise, (who knew!). You can dilute it into water after working out or in a smoothie for breakfast on rest days.

CherryActive, from £1.89 for a 30ml pack

Best for: fat loss

This protein-rich powder (thanks to whey protein and Micellar Casein) helps to repair muscles and boost antioxidant levels and healthy intestinal flora in the body. But, unlike most post-workout drinks which are focused on hydration and recovery, this drink also works on fat burn. It contains natural dairy Calcium which at the levels provided is proven to accelerate fat and weight loss by up to 25%. It also boasts 3.2g of Clarinol CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), a fatty acid which is FDA approved. The wonder ingredient is proven to reduce body fat particularly in those hard to target areas ¬ tummy and thighs; boost lean muscle production and is high in antioxidants. Use it after working out or as a meal replacement.

Reflex Diet Protein, £25.99 at performancefoodsbrighton.co.uk

Best for: hydration

The likes of Madonna, Rihanna and Sienna have been spotted clutching Vita Coco. The coconut water is sourced from inside young green coconuts. During exercise our muscle cells use more oxygen, burning much more glucose to generate energy than when we are resting. Vita Coco contains electrolytes (magnesium, sodium and potassium) which are vital for a healthy body and are depleted during exercise. Each carton also contains more potassium than two bananas (potassium is another electrolyte that helps maintain your body’s water balance). Plus, it has just 60 calories in a 330ml carton, and no fat or added sugars. No wonder it’s an A-list favourite.

Vita Coco, from £2.05 at Holland & Barratt

USP: for staving off cravings
Hunger is a funny thing, sometimes after working out you won’t even feel peckish, other times you’ll be ravenous. Keep PhD’s Diet Whey bars to hand if a hunger pang or craving hits you post workout. These tasty bars are high in protein which is great for repairing overworked muscles and contain CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) which is proven to help reduce body fat, green tea to keep your metabolism ticking over and flaxseed which keeps you feeling fuller for longer, it’s is high in Omegas (‘good’ fats) too.

PhD Diet Whey Bar, £23.88 for 12 bars

USP:  beauty boosting
 
Bodyism’s supplements are a firm favourite with the ELLE beauty team. This powder is mixed with milk and can be used before or after training - so it’s a two-in-one buy. It contains BCAA (branched chain amino acids) that help prevent muscle soreness and speed up muscle repair - ideal if you want to train more regularly. The high fibre and protein drink helps to curb appetite and stave off any post-workout cravings. Due to its high protein nature and its complex blend of vitamins and minerals (that our bodies lose during exercise) this drink also nourishes skin, hair and nails; bonus!

Bodyism Body Complete, £60 for 20 servings